Eagles' free-agent frenzy continues

Sunday

Jul 31, 2011 at 12:01 AMJul 31, 2011 at 2:00 AM

By Jeff OffordStaff writer

?BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas.

In July.

Less than 24 hours after signing coveted cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, the Eagles added yet another piece to their ever-improving defense Saturday, coming to terms with free-agent defensive end/tackle Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins had spent his entire seven-year career with the Green Bay Packers.

Jenkins played in just 11 games last year because of a calf injury but still recorded a career-best seven sacks.

“We’re excited to get Cullen in Philadelphia,’’ general manager Howie Roseman said from Lehigh University, where it’s been a hectic few days for the Eagles to say the least. “He’s a heck of a player. He’ll fit into what we’re doing on defense and adds to our defensive line.’’

Roseman also announced that the Eagles had shipped former defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round pick in the 2012 draft. Bunkley was the Birds’ first-round pick, No. 14 overall, in 2006.

The Eagles also re-signed linebacker Akeem Jordan.

Just a few days ago, the Eagles were very thin at cornerback and defensive end. Now they’re loaded at both positions and have improved their interior line.

“On third down he rushes from inside, he makes a difference in that role,’’ Roseman said. “In this defense and in this scheme it really utilizes all of his talents.’’

Terms of the deal were not announced, but, according to reports, the Eagles inked Jenkins to a 5-year-deal worth $25 million.

The 30-year-old, 290-pound Jenkins played in Green Bay’s 3-4 defense last season but will return to the 4-3, which he has played before. Although he can play either tackle or end, Jenkins will likely be a inside third-down pass rush specialist.

“This is a guy who we didn’t think we would be able to acquire,’’ Roseman said. “The way things have worked out in the last few days, when the opportunity came to us, we jumped at it.’’

The Eagles list Jenkins as a defensive tackle, meaning that’s where he’ll likely see most of his action. The interior of the Eagles line hasn’t had a real pass rusher since . . . well . . . forever.

“He wanted to be in Philadelphia,’’ Roseman said. “He had opportunities to go elsewhere. He was a highly coveted player and he decided to come to Philadelphia. We had to make that happen.’’

Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins were among the teams interested in Jenkins, who has 29 career sacks and 194 tackles in 93 games.

Not only does Jenkins’ signing come on the heels of signing Asomugha, but it comes just after the Eagles signed Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Babin, traded for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and inked quarterback Vince Young.

“What ever Howie wants, Howie gets,’’ president Joe Banner said with a laugh as Roseman answered questions on Saturday.

That, at least for now, seems true.

“We have a great combination of youth and some veteran leadership,’’ Roseman said. “We have some guys that came from winning programs that will fit right in. They’re high-character guys. We’re excited about it.’’